Searching For the Best Pellet Grills
Summer offers different experiences depending on your age. For children, it means a break from school; for students, it’s a chance to earn some extra money. However, I don’t think most people look forward to summer more than fathers do, because they can finally unpack their pellet grills and live off burgers and ribs for three months.
Pellet grills are used regularly during the summer. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association’s 2020 State of the Barbecue Industry report reported that nearly 60% of grill owners use their grills at least once a week.
Most dads are confident in their pellet grill and have countless reasons why it’s superior to anything else on the market. However, we can’t take their word for it, as there’s always some bias. To save you the trouble of calling your dad and talking to him, I’ve compiled a list of the best pellet grills for summer.
Read on to find out which items I think are better than the others by evaluating price, features, accessories, size, pellet capacity, and more.
10 Best Pellet Grills for Summer in 2025
Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker
The Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker is a highly rated outdoor cooking appliance with numerous features and options that will take your grilling experience to the next level. Combining the convenience of a digital control panel with the traditional smoky flavor of wood pellets, this product offers a versatile cooking experience perfect for any outdoor gathering.
This grill offers a wide temperature range of 82°C to 232°C, allowing you to prepare everything from slow-smoked meats to seared steaks. Thanks to its intelligent smoke technology, which distributes smoke evenly throughout the cooking chamber, it’s suitable for grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and much more. The grill features a large 650 cm² cooking surface and a second griddle that provides an additional 240 cm² of cooking space. A waste oil collector and ash cleaning system facilitate cleanup.
Overall, the Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker is a high-quality product that offers versatility, convenience, and excellent performance. Its price may be a bit higher than other grills on the market, but its features and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking.
The Z Grills 10002B2E Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker costs $557.00 on the QVC website.
Customers are extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its versatility, ease of use, and overall performance.
Customers say: “I surprised my husband with this grill for his birthday. He’s absolutely thrilled with the idea of no longer needing charcoal or propane. He’s already looked at all sorts of recipe ideas.”
Highlights
- Versatile: For grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and more
- Large 700 square inch grilling surface and an additional 264 square inch cooking grate on the second level
- User-friendly digital controls and intelligent smoking technology
- High-quality construction with robust steel and a porcelain-coated cooking grate
- Easy cleaning thanks to the waste oil collection tray and ash cleaning system.
Weber Searwood XL 600 Wood Pellet Grill
The Weber Searwood XL 600 wood pellet grill is a premium grill for grilling enthusiasts who want to combine the convenience of pellet grilling with Weber’s high-quality craftsmanship and advanced features. Featuring a modern design and smart technology, this grill offers outstanding versatility and performance for any outdoor occasion.
It offers a generous cooking surface, ideal for preparing large quantities of food for family and friends. The temperature range extends from 82°C to 274°C, making it suitable for slow smoking, high-heat searing, and everything in between. Thanks to exclusive DirectFlame™ technology, you can sear food directly over the flame for authentic grill marks and intense flavor.
The Searwood XL 600 features a robust porcelain-enameled lid and stainless steel side panels, making it durable and wear-resistant. The modern electronics work seamlessly with the Weber Connect app, allowing you to easily control and monitor grilling temperature and time remotely.
Thanks to an efficient grease and ash management system, cleaning is easy, as the grill remains clean and easy to maintain.
The Searwood XL 600 costs approximately $1,299 in the US and offers premium quality and performance at a competitive price.
Customer review:
“Heats up to temperature very quickly. Great smoky flavor. Surprisingly even heat distribution across the grill. No hot spots. The grease/ash management system works excellently. The modern electronics make grilling incredibly easy. And the appliance can sear! Very satisfied!”
Highlights
- Spacious cooking surface: Plenty of room for large meals.
- Versatile temperature control: From 82°C to 315°C for smoking, grilling, and searing.
- DirectFlame™ technology: Sear directly over the flame for great grill marks.
- Smart controls: Works with the Weber Connect app for remote monitoring.
- Robust construction: Porcelain-enameled lid and stainless steel sides.
- Easy cleaning: Effective grease and ash management system.
Z Grills 697 sq in Wood-Fired 8-in-1 Pellet Grill & Smoker
The Z Grills 697-square-inch 8-in-1 Wood-Fired Pellet Grill & Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance with numerous features that will take your grilling experience to the next level. This grill is fueled by wood pellets, which impart a smoky flavor to your food while offering the convenience of a digital control panel.
This grill has a temperature range of 82°C to 232°C, allowing for precise cooking time control. It’s suitable for grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and more. The grill boasts a large cooking surface of 697 square inches and an additional 253 square inches on the second cooking grate. It features an oil drain and an ash removal system for easy cleaning.
The Z Grills 697 sq. in. Wood-Fired 8-in-1 Pellet Grill & Smoker costs $479.00 on the QVC website.
One customer said, “Works great! This is our replacement smoker; the last one was from a different brand… I 100% recommend this Z Grill Smoker! Excellent!”
Highlights
- Versatility: This grill is suitable for a variety of grilling methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
- Easy Operation: The digital control panel makes it easy to adjust the temperature and monitor the grilling process.
- High-Quality Construction: The sturdy steel construction and porcelain-coated cooking grate ensure durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Large Cooking Area: The 697 square inches of cooking area and the additional 253 square inches of cooking area on the second level provide ample space for grilling for a large group.
- Easy Cleaning: The waste oil container and ash cleaning system simplify cleanup after use.
Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill with ACS
The Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill with ACS is a high-quality outdoor cooking appliance with numerous features for the ambitious griller. The grill is constructed of robust steel and is durable.
The YS640s pellet grill features an Automatic Control System (ACS) that allows for precise temperature control. The temperature range extends from 65°C to 270°C, making it perfect for a variety of grilling methods. The grill offers a large 590 cm² grilling area and an additional 270 cm² of grilling space on the second grill level. An integrated counterweight system makes it easy to raise the grill hood.
This grill is suitable for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, and much more. It has a 9 kg capacity and can operate for up to 12 hours on a single pellet load. The grill is also equipped with a grease drainage system and an ash cleaning system for easy cleaning.
The Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill with ACS costs $2,399.00 on the ATBBQ website.
Customers are extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its precise temperature control, durability, and overall performance.
Customers say: “Everything works great, looks great, tastes great!! I love the high-temperature option for searing steaks, and the grill racks make it even better.”
Highlights
- Precise temperature control: The ACS allows for precise temperature control, making it easier to prepare a wide variety of dishes.
- High-quality construction: The robust steel construction ensures durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Large cooking area: The 640 square inches of cooking area and an additional 297 square inches of cooking area on the second level provide ample space for grilling for a large group.
- Versatility: This grill is suitable for a variety of cooking methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
- Easy to clean: The grease drainage system and ash cleaning system make cleanup after use easier.
Pit Boss 55″ Wood Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 55″ Wood Pellet Grill is a versatile and efficient outdoor cooking appliance that combines the convenience of a pellet grill with the performance of a traditional charcoal grill. With numerous advanced features and a robust design, this grill is perfect for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking.
The Pit Boss 55″ wood pellet grill boasts a large 1,830 square inch cooking area, making it perfect for cooking for large groups. Its temperature range extends from 180°F to 500°F, allowing for a variety of cooking methods. The grill also features digital controls and a flame broiler for added convenience.
This grill is designed as both a smoker and a grill, allowing for a variety of cooking methods. It has a 55-pound pellet capacity and can operate for up to 24 hours on a single pellet load. The grill also features a grease management system for easy cleaning.
The Pit Boss 55″ wood pellet grill costs $549.99 on the Wayfair website.
Customers are extremely satisfied with this grill, with many praising its performance, ease of use, and overall quality.
One customer commented: “Excellent construction. Easy to assemble, as it’s clearly labeled and comes with wheels and racks! If you’re considering a smoker, this is the one for you!”
Highlights
- Large cooking area: The 1600 m² cooking area offers ample space for cooking for a large group.
- Versatility: This grill is suitable for a variety of grilling methods, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.
- Digital control panel: The digital control panel makes it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature.
- Flame grill: The flame grill allows for direct grilling, making the grill particularly versatile.
Grease management system: The grease management system simplifies cleanup after use.
Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill
The Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill is a high-quality outdoor cooking appliance that makes grilling and smoking meat and vegetables easy and convenient. This grill features a large 1,200 square inch cooking surface and is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital control system that allows you to set and maintain precise cooking temperatures.
The Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill uses natural hardwood pellets to generate heat and smoke, imparting a rich, smoky flavor to your food. The grill features a PID controller for precise temperature control and an automatic on/off system for ease of use. Additionally, the grill offers various cooking modes, including smoking, roasting, baking, and searing, making it versatile enough to prepare a wide variety of dishes.
The Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill costs around $1,599, making it a high-end option for serious grillers.
Customers love the Louisiana Grills Founders Series Premier 1200 Pellet Grill for its large cooking surface and advanced features. Many reviewers praise the PID controller and automatic start system, as well as the grill’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process. Some customers note that the grill is heavy and requires some assembly, but overall, they highly recommend it for serious grillers looking for a top-notch outdoor cooking appliance.
Highlights
- Large 1,200 square inch grilling surface
- State-of-the-art digital control system for precise temperature regulation
- Uses all-natural hardwood pellets for an intense smoky flavor
- Automatic on/off system for easy operation
- Versatile grilling modes including smoking, roasting, baking, and searing
- High-end option for ambitious grillers.
Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS
The Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS is a premium outdoor cooking appliance for discerning grillers. The grill boasts a large 480-square-inch cooking area and is equipped with a digital control system that allows you to set and maintain precise cooking temperatures.
The Yoder Smokers YS480s pellet grill uses natural hardwood pellets to generate heat and smoke, imparting a rich, smoky flavor to your food. The grill features an Adaptive Control System (ACS) for precise temperature control and an automatic on/off system for ease of use. Additionally, the grill offers various cooking modes, including smoking, roasting, baking, and searing, making it versatile enough to prepare a wide variety of dishes.
The Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS costs around $2,139, making it a high-end option for serious grillers.
Customers rave about the Yoder Smokers YS480s Pellet Grill with ACS for its precise temperature control and rich, smoky flavor. Many reviewers emphasize that the grill is durable and can easily handle large cuts of meat. Some customers mention that the grill is heavy and requires some assembly, but overall, they highly recommend it for serious grillers looking for a top-notch outdoor cooking appliance.
One customer said, “I couldn’t be happier with my YS480s. High-quality parts and workmanship, and one of my best investments. Worth every penny!”
Highlights
- Large 480 square inch cooking surface
- Digital control system for precise temperature control
- Uses all-natural hardwood pellets for an intense smoky flavor
- Adaptive Control System (ACS) for precise temperature control
- Automatic on/off system for easy operation
- Versatile grilling modes including smoking, roasting, baking, and searing
- High-end option for ambitious grillers.
Pit Boss 24″ Wood Pellet Grill
The Pit Boss 24 Wood Pellet Grill is a versatile and affordable option for anyone interested in trying their hand at pellet grilling. This grill offers 8-in-1 cooking functions, allowing you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, broil, and barbecue—all in one unit. At 24 inches, it’s ideal for those with limited space or wanting a portable grill.
The grill features a digital control panel with an LED display, making it easy to set and monitor the temperature. A meat thermometer is also included, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid.
The Pit Boss 24 wood pellet grill features 440 square inches of cooking space, providing ample room for small to medium-sized families. The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates are durable and easy to clean. The hopper holds 9 pounds, giving you plenty of time to grill without having to refill pellets.
Priced at around $290.00, the Pit Boss 24 Wood Pellet Grill is an affordable option for anyone who wants to try pellet grilling without breaking the bank.
Customers praise the Pit Boss 24 wood pellet grill for its ease of use and versatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners. They also praise its solid construction and good value.
One customer said, “Exactly what I needed! A great grill, and my food turned out great. It’s also incredibly easy to set up. Just follow the instructions.”
Highlights
- 8-in-1 grilling versatility
- Digital control panel with LED display
- Meat thermometer included
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
- 440 square inches of cooking space
- 9-pound hopper capacity
- Affordable price for a pellet grill.
Cuisinart 465-sq. in. Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that combines the flavors of a wood-fired grill with the convenience of a modern grill. With 465 square inches of cooking space, you can prepare a wide variety of dishes for family and friends.
The grill is easy to use thanks to its electronic auto-start ignition and digital temperature control. Depending on the food you’re grilling, you can choose between different temperatures ranging from 82°C to 232°C. The grill also features a built-in thermometer that displays the internal temperature of your food.
The Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker features a hopper that holds up to 7 kg of pellets, allowing you to grill for hours without refilling. The grill’s ash collection system makes cleanup easy, while the side shelf provides space for your tools and ingredients.
Priced at around $600, the Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an affordable option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a wood-fired grill. Customers rave about its ease of use and the delicious flavor it imparts to their food. Some also appreciate the grill’s compact size, making it ideal for those with limited outdoor space.
Overall, the Cuisinart Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the unique flavor of wood-fired grilling without the hassle of traditional grilling methods. Its affordable price, ease of use, and compact size make it a popular choice among customers.
Customer reviews: “I’m absolutely thrilled with this grill! It’s easy to set up, easy to use, and—most importantly—it makes delicious food! I’m really excited to continue using it throughout the summer and try lots of new dishes! It’s been a huge hit with me and everyone I’ve entertained so far.”
Highlights
- Versatile temperature range from 82–230°C
- Large hopper with a capacity of 6.8 kg
- Digital control panel for easy temperature adjustment
- Removable ashtray for easy cleaning
- Meat thermometer for accurate temperature measurement
- Affordable price
How To Shop For The Best Pellet Grills for Summer
Now that you’re familiar with the pellet grill market and can distinguish the good from the bad, it’s time to make your own decision. Before you leave my list of the best pellet grills for summer, take a look at the features that set a grill apart from the competition. Ideally, you want to buy a grill that meets all six criteria. However, knowing which factor is most important to you will help you make an informed decision.
Size and Capacity
This is important not only for the amount of food you plan to prepare, but also for your living space. If you like to host parties or cook a lot of burgers at once, you should consider a larger pellet grill. However, don’t buy one that’s too big for your backyard or patio.
Durability
The biggest threat to your pellet grill is the weather. Rain, wind, and other adverse conditions can damage a grill if it’s not made of high-quality materials. Therefore, look for grills made of durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron, or for protective devices like covers.
Temperature Range
The wider a grill’s temperature range, the more you can cook. While pellet grills are known for their ability to maintain consistent temperatures, you should choose a grill that can maintain a range of temperatures so you can cook a variety of foods.
Accessories
Some of the best pellet grills for summer come with numerous extras and accessories, such as thermometers, side shelves, and meat probes. These may not be essential at the time of purchase, but they increase the lifespan of the grill by simplifying the grilling process.
Brand Reputation
If you’ve made it this far on my list of the best pellet grills for summer, I don’t need to tell you to do your homework. Obviously, you’re already doing that. A quick look at customer reviews can help you figure out whether a brand is worth buying or whether you should avoid it.
Price
Pellet grills can vary greatly in price, so consider your budget and the features that matter most to you. Don’t compromise on quality for a lower price, but also don’t overspend on features you don’t need.
Final Thoughts
Summer is just around the corner, so you should improve your grilling skills as soon as possible. The first step is choosing the right pellet grill. Hopefully, my list has helped you with that. After purchasing, familiarize yourself with the grill, as you’ll likely be spending many summer nights in the backyard cooking up a storm that will leave the whole neighborhood hungry.
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